Broccoli - Skytree F1
With its large head rising high on a strong, largely leafless stem, Broccoli ‘Skytree’ is quick and easy to harvest. A cross between a calabrese and a stem broccoli, ‘Skytree’ has a sweeter flavour than traditional broccoli varieties and a well-segmented head that’s easy to floret and prepare for the kitchen. ‘Skytree’ produces uniform, fine-beaded heads with minimal yellow halo on the florets compared to other varieties. A quick maturing variety, time to harvest: 65-75 days.
Height and spread: 60cm (24in).
With its large head rising high on a strong, largely leafless stem, Broccoli ‘Skytree’ is quick and easy to harvest. A cross between a calabrese and a stem broccoli, ‘Skytree’ has a sweeter flavour than traditional broccoli varieties and a well-segmented head that’s easy to floret and prepare for the kitchen. ‘Skytree’ produces uniform, fine-beaded heads with minimal yellow halo on the florets compared to other varieties. A quick maturing variety, time to harvest: 65-75 days.
Height and spread: 60cm (24in).
With its large head rising high on a strong, largely leafless stem, Broccoli ‘Skytree’ is quick and easy to harvest. A cross between a calabrese and a stem broccoli, ‘Skytree’ has a sweeter flavour than traditional broccoli varieties and a well-segmented head that’s easy to floret and prepare for the kitchen. ‘Skytree’ produces uniform, fine-beaded heads with minimal yellow halo on the florets compared to other varieties. A quick maturing variety, time to harvest: 65-75 days.
Height and spread: 60cm (24in).
Where to sow: Outdoors in a seed bed for transplanting later on. Alternatively seed can be sown into modules and seedlings planted out when large enough to handle and after all risk of frost.
Preparation: Prepare the soil by raking until it is fine and crumbly, removing any large stones.
Sowing: Sow at 4 week intervals from March to June. Sow thinly, 1cm (1/2in) deep and cover lightly with soil. Keep watered during dry weather.
Growing: Transplant seedlings to their final position when they have 4-5 leaves and are large enough to handle, about 5 weeks from sowing. Allow a minimum of 60cm (2ft) between plants and 75cm (30in) between rows. Firm in well and water regularly.
Harvest before the flowers open and when shoots are around 10cm (4in) long. Regular picking will encourage more shoots. Don't remove the large leaves as these will protect the next batch of developing shoots. Place some fine mesh netting over the plants to prevent against root fly, aphid and Cabbage caterpillar damage.
Water sprouting broccoli plants regularly and do not allow them to dry out as this may impair their development. Hoe between plants regularly to prevent weeds from establishing and bring insect larvae to the surface. Purple sprouting broccoli should be harvested before the flowers open. Pick shoots when they are 15cm (6") long. Regular picking will encourage more shoots to be produced. Don't remove the large leaves as these will protect the next batch of shoots as they develop. Culinary note: Sprouting broccoli is suitable for freezing.
